Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee returns to ABC and ABC iview on Wednesday 18 June at 8:35PM, with another round of comic chaos masquerading as competitive spelling. Episode 3 sees Rove McManus, He Huang, and Emma Holland take on a gloriously silly format that’s fast becoming one of the most quietly beloved curios in Australia’s comedy calendar.
Now in its second season, Spelling Bee doubles down on its peculiar genius: take a line-up of well-known comedians, hand them a microphone, and watch them squirm over consonants. Created and hosted by New Zealand’s Guy Montgomery—flanked by straight-faced sidekick Aaron Chen—the series turns the schoolroom trauma of spelling bees into high-wire comedy.
Each week, a new batch of guests tackle absurd rounds like “Spell the Difference” and “Hometown Glory”, where spelling is only half the battle. Quick wit, regional pride, and the ability to save face under pressure are the real game here. With Rove back in competitive form, Huang in dry-fire mode, and Holland playing to the crowd, Episode 3 has the makings of a classic.
There’s a long tradition of comedians putting themselves through embarrassment for our entertainment—think Taskmaster, Would I Lie To You?, or early Spicks and Specks. But what makes Guy Mont Spelling Bee stand out is its mix of niche premise and total commitment. It knows exactly what it is: a show about comedians spelling badly and being brilliant at it. It’s both lo-fi and sharply edited, with a whip-smart tone that rewards viewers who come for the laughs and stay for the chaos.
ABC has slotted the series into a neat midweek 8:35PM berth, part of its wider push to programme comedy that feels both live and repeatable. With ten episodes this season and names like Hannah Gadsby, Hamish Blake, and Julia Morris still to come, the spelling stakes (if not the actual words) are getting higher.
If your week needs a reset button, this is it. Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee is ridiculous in the best possible way—clever, chaotic, and committed to every bit. Episode 3 airs Wednesday 18 June at 8:35PM on ABC and streams on ABC iview.
